Virgin Atlantic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Virgin Atlantic - Essay Example Also, deregulation has resulted in a multitude of other airlines whom are able to provide low fares. That said, their strengths, which includes providing luxuries such as Samsung Galaxy tablets and high speed Wi-Fi, plus extra creature comforts such as flat bed and comfortable chairs, in addition to other value-added services, such as express security check-in for business customers. However, for the future, Virgin should continue to invest in higher end luxuries, and continue to keep their fleets small, and this is the best way to compete in any market. The Value Chain The value chain is one of the ways that the Virgin Airlines will be strategically examined. Porter (1985) described how firms can be broken down by their activities, and how a firm may obtain a competitive advantage by identifying these strategic activities and finding a way to perform these activities cheaper and better than its competitors (Porter, 1985, p. 34). Porter explained by the value chains may go upstream, which is the supplier delivering to the firm, and downstream, which is the firm delivering the product to the customer. Moreover, Porter states that the value chain must take a holistic approach, which means that the discrete components of its value chain must fit into an overall value system, therefore they all must be integrated. Porter goes on to explain ways that a firm might obtain a competitive advantage over other firms, such as targeting to a niche market, which would allow the firm to tailor the value chain to this niche, which results in lower costs; competing in related industries with coordinated value chains; or firms may also gain a competitive advantage by widening or narrowing their geographic markets. Porter also states that firms may gain a competitive advantage by affiliating themselves with other entities, such as mergers, joint ventures, licenses and supply agreements (Porter, 1985, p. 34). How this relates to Virgin Airlines is that, as will be explained, it is gaining a competitive advantage, through its value chain, by appealing to a niche market, which is the high-end market who is patronizing an airline because of its amenities and luxuries. As it is tailoring its strategy to this niche, as opposed to attempting to appeal to a broader market, it has been able to keep its costs down by keeping its fleet small, and diversifying only by expanding into other markets through subsidiaries. It has therefore chosen to eschew another way that Porter states that companies may gain a competitive advantage, which is through affiliating themselves with other entities. Above illustration available at: http://www.google.com/imgres?num=10&hl=en&newwindow=1&biw=1067&bih=489&tbm=isch&tbnid=Q095X0MX-AyACM:&imgrefurl=http://www.docstoc.com/docs/9354561/Porter-Value-Chain-Template&docid=gBEEIrN13AnqTM&imgurl=http://img.docstoccdn.com/thumb/orig/9354561.png&w=1500&h=1125&ei=YhDyT6faFuio2wWBkaTSCg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=276&vpy=4&dur=6408&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=1 36&ty=162&sig=111730839532732020329&page=2&tbnh=127&tbnw=169&start=10&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:10,i:113 According to Oster (1999), the value chain is one way that an organization may be competitive by identifying where, on the value chain, they can improve upon the competition by improving or differentiating themselves from their competitors. For instance, a firm may improve its method of procurement, distribution or inventory (Oster, 1999, p. 131). Or, in the case of an airline, the airline may look at its

Organization and management 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Organization and management 1 - Essay Example often the goal of management to promote team-based philosophies and secure a management consensus on how best to develop a plan of action to meet long-term objectives. In many instances, this is the nature of conflict in the organisation, as differing perspectives based on personal belief systems creates a situation in which subordinates and managers alike are unable to reach this consensus about which steps to take to enhance productivity. Further, conflict can arise in the organisation based on authority, where subordinate members of the business are directed by an authoritarian manager who wishes to control individual job functions (Klein, 2002). In such a situation, the subordinate employee, who is often referred to by various professionals as an individual wishing for fair treatment and a certain level of autonomy, is under-utilised as a team member and prone to more rigid managerial styles (Ankilhar, 2001). What this creates is an employee who is dissatisfied with being treated as a mere subordinate by rigidly-controlled management, thus they are less apt Conflict can be somewhat avoided in the organisation, however it is important that leadership teams are well-versed in theories associated with human psychology. For instance, in the situation where conflict has arisen between members of the management staff, especially regarding reaching a consensus about an appropriate course of action for the company to meet its long-term goals, avoiding conflict involves promoting a team-working concept in which all members of the team are allowed to publicly speak their grievances. This creates a situation in which mutual respect is perceived as a primary goal of management. When conflict arises, avoidance can be proactive in nature, meaning that a manager who is competent in communication and human psychology can start with basic subordinate respect by using positive reinforcement when the job tasks are completed successfully. This creates, theoretically, an

The Proofs of the Existence of God Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 119

The Proofs of the Existence of God - Essay Example Humanity has searched for the discovery of the nature of God for a long time since the conscious living. It is important to realize, whether people have any reason to believe in God's existence – or His absence. Faith widely does not incorporate reasoning. It looks like that these two areas of human perception lie in the parallel layers if reality and, thusly, do not cross. How does the concept of God’s foreknowledge correspond the concept of human freedom? There are also debated represented widely on the topics around the creationism and evolution. There is the question, what is the real role of the God in the creation of the universe and was He actually the one, who forced all this to start from the beginning of times? Â  One of the brilliant approaches was proposed by one of the greatest figures in the fields of philosophy, mathematics, and physics – Blaise Pascal. He is a genius of French origin, who invented the first mechanical adding machine. He also was one of the developers (together with Fermat), of modern probability theory. He was a genius indeed, as he invented his basic theorem of projective geometry at the age of 16 only. All the before-mentioned aimed to ensure the credibility and authority of the weight of his argument from probability for believing in God’s existence (Hacking). His approach is absolutely practical. It simply claims that the expected utility of belief in the existence of God far outreaches the expected utility of the absence of belief in God. Defining what he meant by that, it is important to know that he was a brilliant mathematician and his approach is absolutely logical and well-structured.

The Social, Economic, and Political Situation of Kuwait post Gulf War Essay

The Social, Economic, and Political Situation of Kuwait post Gulf War 1990-1991 - Essay Example Even before the Gulf War, Kuwait was facing some political conflicts with Iraq regarding territory occupation, oil, and debts. However, the political system and foreign relations of Kuwait altered after Iraq’s invasion, along with a constant fear of another attack from Iraq. The Gulf War also had a significant impact on Kuwait’s social conditions, especially on the role of women and Shiites, attitudes regarding Palestinians, and social welfare of the people. Although Kuwait gained victory from Iraq within days of the invasion, the social, political, and economic situation of Kuwait post war was a far cry from the situation that existed before the war (Ashkanani, Hadi Ridha., Shears, Jane. 21; Czinkota, Michael R., Ronkainen, Ilkka A. 618; Crystal, Jill. 176; Isiorho, Soloman A., Gritzner, Charles F. 85, 94, 95; Fasihuddin; Omar, Abdullah; Shenon, Philip; Finlan, Alastair 83, 84; Cordesman, Anthony H 14, 15; Al-Mughni, Haya; Federal Research Division 83; Cushman Jr, John H.). Before the Gulf War, in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the economy of Kuwait was mainly based on trade. It gained a lot of maritime advantage through trade with Asia, Africa, and Europe because of its strategically located natural port. The dependence of Kuwait’s economy then shifted to pearl diving in the nineteenth and early twentieth century. The reason for this was also the gulf, which provided natural pearl banks for harvesting by merchants and sailors. Closely linked to pearl diving was the emergence of the shipbuilding industry, as well as fishing. Trade and maritime occupations remained important monetary sources for Kuwait’s merchant class and foreign orientation till 1990. However, this economy was not enough to provide for most of Kuwait’s population, especially those outside the merchant families and ruling families. Pearl diving slowly began to decline, and came to a sudden halt in the 1920’s due to the Great Depression and Ja pan’s manufacture of an alternative for natural pearls (Federal Research Division 84, 85). Nevertheless, Kuwait’s economy got a chance to thrive when petroleum was discovered in its region in 1938. Its drilling was disrupted as a result of the World War, but then resumed in 1945. Kuwait further got an opportunity to prosper when oil was explored, produced, and exported in the 1950’s. A lot of revenue was gained due to the high demand of oil by foreign countries, and this revenue was used to improve Kuwait’s economy. Industries, social and physical infrastructure was built, along with much spending on the social and economic welfare of Kuwait’s people. This period between 1960 and 1980 was known as the ‘construction boom’, and became a magnet for large number of workers, especially from Iran, South Asia, and Arab countries. The strategic location of Kuwait’s gulf, and its enhanced communication and port facilities, contributed to an expansion of re-exports, trade, and many other commercial activities (Federal Research Division 85; Fasihuddin). However, the invasion and take over by Iraq led to various adverse economic consequences for Kuwait and disrupted its continuous economic development. The first thing Kuwait’s economy had to face was the hefty costs incurred as a result of the war. When Kuwait’s rulers had gone in exile, they had drawn down from Kuwait’

Modular questions for vendor systems Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Modular questions for vendor systems - Article Example Although both best of breed and integrated system are very different and have their own particular nuances, the two systems each have both advantages and disadvantages. Doctor John Fontanetta (2010) is an emergency room physician who makes a convincing case for best of breed. Although speaking for the ER staff, he points out that the clinic or hospital has normally spent many years developing the system to suit their particular specialty and/or purpose. Why throw that away for an entirely new system that may or may not be up to date and suited to the facility? Another compelling argument concerns the fast-spreading H1N1 influenza virus. Doctor Fontanetta reports one hospital and its best of breed vendor had treatment and hospitalization plans operational in less than a day! However, Jay Simmons, an informatics professional, opts for the integrated system (2011), stating that not only are operating costs are lowered but the system is more efficient, in that PMS and EHR are working together. Yet even he admits that a clinic might regret ridding itself of the existing PMS. Sabooniha (2012) accurately describes the different loose knit information systems in a healthcare facility (pharmacy, financial, care, etc.) as a group of islands. They know who each other is but none of them is connected. The resulting chaos can result in a number of disadvantages for the facility, including increased costs and redundancy among systems. The most important resulting problem is the loss of data reliability. Therefore, he states that integration of all these systems is imperative for the business to be more competitive. The factors one must consider, according to Sabooniha, are â€Å"Flexibility, Real time, Reliability, Reusability, Performance, Complexity, The Centers for Disease Control (2012) agrees with Sabooniha in stating that the integration of systems will enhance security of the systems and greatly curtail the infamous leaks of patient privacy. In

Designing Qualitative Research for Social Science & Health Essay

Designing Qualitative Research for Social Science & Health - Essay Example deteriorating health, the sudden transition to a life of lesser financial control appears to be the underlying factor for both changing health status and limited access to the initial lifestyle. Retirement is the transition from being a working individual into not working. There are many reasons why people retire. Some of these include voluntary, sickness, incapacitation and age. Age is the most common factor for retirement. Most retirees are considerably aged by the time they make the transition (Smith and Moen, 2004). The transition is sometimes made at a point in life when the input of the individual is fading and their youthfulness has been lost. These factors, combined with the sudden transition to being non-salaried, have been known to negatively impact the inevitable transition into retirement. Psychologists postulate that retirement has adverse effects both on the psychosocial and physical wellbeing of the individual. For instance, some researchers have attributed the transition to accelerated ageing (Osborne, 2012). Many retirees have alluded to the fact that they did not make substantive decisions regarding their retirement days since they could not figure out how the transition would affect them. This implies that many retirees do not have an aforethought strategy to manage their new-found status. For this reason, they are usually met with constant challenges, both psychological and organisational. Yet retirement planning is considered an essential part of the transformation that follows ceasing employment. Planning should ideally be done before the individual crosses over to the world of retirement. The most important part of the planning is to necessitate a smooth transition into the new phase in life. However, many people attempt to develop a retirement plan after experiencing what the transition is like, and sometimes after realising that they could have made misinformed choices as they settle down. Some of these misinformed choices are likely to

Fundamentals of Research Essay Example for Free

Fundamentals of Research Essay This paper will discuss the connection between scientific methods and research in the human services field. By comparing and contrasting, qualitative and quantitative research as well as the describing steps involved in scientific method is answered using realistic examples that may be used in the human service field. The pros and cons of the mixed methods are identified are relevant in the human service environment. The Scientific Method and Human Services â€Å"A scientific method is described a scientific approach to research and mainly depends on empirical reasoning; which discusses the use of combining logic and the use of careful observation and measurement that is accessible to other researchers† (Rosnow Rosenthal, 2008, p. 20). In other words, scientific method is a method to gather information, conduct an experiment, and produce a hypothesis. Researchers use the data from different sources, such as a survey, questionnaire, interview, or polls to formulate hypothesis or an educated guess). Descriptive, relational, and experimental research can be used in the human services field. For example, descriptive research consists of researching how things are. Relational researching describes how things are in relation to other things. Experimental research is a combination of descriptive and relational research† (Rosnow Rosenthal, 2008, p. 20). The hypothesis is a base for discovering who did what and why. For example, researchers in the human services field can use descriptive research to look at the characteristics of an alcoholic teenager. They may also focus on how it may affect the teenager’s relationships with others, behavior, performance in school, and obtaining, and maintaining his or her first job. Scientific methods are valuable assets within the human service and related fields because; the method helps determine new and improved ways to assist a client with his or her crisis. Steps in the Scientific Method The steps included in scientific methods are identifying research, reviewing literature, specifying a purpose for the study, data collection, analyze or  interpret the collection of data, as well as report and evaluate the research (Creswell, 2008). For example, contributing factors in a student’s poor performance in school. Step 1: Identifying the research A student has poor performance in school. Step 2: Reviewing literature. Select and research the statistics have contributing factors that lead to the poor performance in school. Step 3: Specifying the purpose for the study. Student’s poor performance is because of unexpected circumstances. Step 4: Data Collection Approximately 25% of students in school encounter uncontrollable circumstances before and during a course of study. Step 5: Analyzing or interpreting Data Poor performance may be due to financial, mental, emotional, or physical difficulties. Step 6: Report and Evaluate results of Research The research has found that the poor performance before and during a course of study is typically among students who are affected by one or more of the above instances. This occurs in about 100 out of 500 students. Quantitative and Qualitative Research Quantitative researchers decide what is necessary to study by asking specific or constricted questions by the collection of numerical data from participants. For example, the 25% of students display negative affects through some sort of difficulty during at least one course of study. Qualitative research relies on the opinion through answers to general questions during data collection from participants. â€Å"This occurs when researchers describe and analyze these words for premise; and conducts the  inquiry in a subjective, biased manner† (Creswell, 2008, p. 46). The determining factors focus on deciding what type of research to use, such as the type of problem, the audience, and personal experiences. Most students describe the poor performance as frustrating and overwhelming. Some students may begin to cry or lose eye contact during the interviewing process. Methodology â€Å"Methodologies suggest how inquiries are formed by demonstrating problems worth investigating, how to frame a problem, how to develop suitable creation of data collection, and how to make the logical link between them† (Jackson, 2007, p. 23). Combining both forms of data uses quantitative or qualitative data to gain more improved understanding of a research problem than each one separately. Qualitative research data typically comes from field work (Morse, 2005). Collected data is through interviews, direct observation, and written documents. Morse states that data from an interview is the participant’s exact words; relating to his or her experience, opinions, feelings, and knowledge (Morse, 2005). The observation of data is gathered from the behavior of the participant. Some examples of written documents are correspondence, questionnaires, and surveys. Mixed Method Research â€Å"A mixed methods research design is a procedure for collecting, analyzing, and mixing both quantitative and qualitative research and other methods in a single study to understand a research problem† (Creswell, 2008, p. 552). Sometimes qualitative research data is also used during mixed methods (Caracelli Greene, 1993). To study a larger spectrum, combing multiple methods is feasible. Triangular design, embedded design, explanatory design, and exploratory design are just a few examples of mixed method research. Conclusion When the human service professional uses scientific method, they typically use empirical reasoning to explain the results of data collection.  Scientific research helps human service professionals identify trends and indifferences among clients to enhance the quality of his or her life. The research also suggests methods to suppress the negative outcomes in the lives of the clients and their family. This is done by using qualitative data using numbers and quantitative data collection using personal experiences, surveys, or polls. References Caracelli, V. J., and Greene, J.C.(1993). Data Analysis Strategies for Mixed-Method Evaluation Designs. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis. 15(2) Creswell, J. W. (2008). Educational research: Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/ Merrill Prentice Hall. Jackson, R. L., Drummond, D. K., Camara, S. (2007). What Is Qualitative Research?. Qualitative Research Reports In Communication, 8(1), 21-28. doi: 10.1080/17459430701617879 Morse, J. M. (2005). Qualitative research. In Carl Mitcham (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Science, Technology, and Ethics (pp. 1557-1559). Detroit, MI: Macmillan Reference USA. Rosnow, R. L., Rosenthal, R. (2008). Beginning behavioral research: A conceptual primer (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall.